Detroit Lions legend Barry Sanders is viewed as one of the greatest running backs of all-time.

Calvin Johnson is not only the NFL's best receivers, but he has a chance to become one of the greatest pass-catchers of all-time.

Sadly, Johnson may share another honor with Sanders.

Never make it to the Super Bowl.

Heck, Johnson may not even get close at this rate.

Sanders had six playoff appearances in his 10-year career, with only one playoff win to speak of. Detroit defeated Dallas, 38-6, during a 1991 divisional-round playoff game in the Pontiac Silverdome. Sanders had a 47-yard touchdown run during that game. However, he only rushed for 386 yards and one touchdown (64.3 yard per game average) combined during those six playoff games.

Johnson, 27, is in the prime of his career, but there have been few team achievements to celebrate.

Since entering the NFL in 2007, Johnson has only enjoyed one winning season in six years. Johnson was a member of Detroit's infamous 0-16 season, and after enjoying the Lions' 2011 playoff team, reality struck once again when his squad finished 4-12 last season.

Johnson deserves better than this.

He has been the face of a woeful franchise since entering the NFL, yet, does not complain. Johnson could demand a trade, call out the front office, criticize his coaches, and it would be hard to question his frustrations. Instead, Johnson signed a seven-year extension in 2012, which means his career will likely end in Detroit.

Johnson played through several injuries last year instead of calling it quits. Sure, he was going for an individual receiving record, but the NFL is full of standout players who focused on their health when the playoffs were out of reach. He deserves credit for being always being a professional.